ROLE OF SOMATOSTATIN AND OCTREOTIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYST, FISTULA AND ASCITES

Somatostatin and its analogue (SMS 201-995, octreotide) have proven to effectively inhibit various gastrointestinal functions including exoc rine and neuroendocrine secretion, motility and splanchnic blood flow. The long half-life and the ability to administer the analogue subcuta neously has liberalized its use in different intestinal and extraintes tinal disorders. In particular, the profound inhibitory effects on exo crine pancreatic function have prompted the use of SMS in several panc reatic disorders. Despite the lack of controlled studies, somatostatin has been used in different pancreatic disorders, fistulas, pseudocyst s and ascites. The preliminary evidence supports a definite role of th is analogue as adjunctive and primary therapeutic agents.